Towpath Talk

Construction Update

We are getting much closer to our long-awaited vision of water flowing once more in our beloved canal. The Lumberville Aqueduct is completed and the High Falls Creek sub-canal culvert should be completed by the beginning of 2026. The last project, a PennDOT road repair in Raubsville, is currently underway. We anticipate water may be able to flow again once the construction machinery in the canal is removed in early spring.

LUMBERVILLE AQUEDUCT UPDATE

The Lumberville Aqueduct, required the complete replacement of the original structure, which was destroyed during Tropical Storm Ida. One of the main reasons the old aqueduct failed was its design. The failed aqueduct was supported, in part, by a center pier. When Ida and subsequent heavy rain events occurred in September of 2021, the center pier created a debris dam as the torrent of water from the Paunacussing Creek carried tree limbs, rocks, and other material downstream. Eventually, the pressure and weight of the build-up caused the aqueduct to fail.

The solution was to engineer a new design with a clear 54-foot span, supported by micropiles drilled into the ground and through the existing masonry abutments, providing a strong foundation-bearing capacity and lateral stability for the new structure. This design was respectful of the historic nature of the existing masonry abutments while reducing construction time and overall cost. And, it creates a clear path for the flow of water below.

The new towpath walk adjacent to the aqueduct features a contemporary, streamlined design. It is 58 feet long and 6 feet wide, providing room for two-directional pedestrian traffic.

The construction of the aqueduct is a small marvel, and we are amazed by the hard work and dedication of the construction team who made it a reality. This team cast approximately 507 cubic yards of concrete in place and installed another 350 feet of precast prestressed concrete beams to support the aqueduct. To put that in perspective, 500 cubic yards of concrete is enough material for a large-scale commercial building slab.

Given the numbers, we are confident this structure will withstand the test of time and challenging weather events.

HIGH FALLS SUB-CANAL CULVERT UPDATE

The High Falls Project, received attention and input from many agencies, including FEMA, the Pennsylvania Museum and Historic Commission, and the Department of conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) engineers, National Park Service and consultants.

And with good reason: over time, it became apparent that the previous sub-culvert designs at High Falls were inadequate and could not handle the water flow generated by significant storm events.

When Ida came through, the entire culvert and towpath were washed away, leaving a gaping expanse. The engineering solution was to create a much larger culvert structure capable of handling a torrent of water. Today, the improved design is in place, and final work on the canal prism is underway.

The new culvert is constructed from precast arch sections measuring 25’8″ wide and 8’10” tall with a length of over 95 feet. The former culvert could carry about 232 cubic feet per second of water. The new culvert can handle a very impressive 904 cubic feet of water per second, more than tripling the capacity of previous designs.

This new sub-canal culvert is an example of engineering for worst-case, not just in case. DCNR has repaired the High Falls culvert many times, and hopefully, this one will be the last.

The Friends are grateful for the money, time, and hard work that went into completing these vital infrastructure projects that will help ensure the Delaware Canal and towpath remain essential economic and recreational resources for years to come.